Solar Storage Solutions

If there is one area of solar that has grown more rapidly than the industry as a whole, it’s solar storage. As solar power boomed in the residential sector, most systems were designed without storage. Adding solar batteries was expensive and required a significant amount of space, and, due to mediocre efficiency, the return on that investment was typically minimal.

In recent years, however, solar storage has grown at a rate that manages to outpace the already rapid pace of solar power. Here at PowerStore, Inc., we have been specializing in solar storage for years, long before the rise in demand for solar batteries. This has allowed us to cultivate relationships with leaders in the solar storage industry and kept us ahead of the curve regarding the latest in solar battery advancements.

If you’re considering adding storage to your solar project, here’s what you need to know.

How Solar Batteries Have Changed

The solar battery banks of the past looked like several interconnected car batteries and, essentially, they were. While banks of this type certainly do exist, solar battery technology has come a long way in recent years. It’s become more efficient, more space-conscious, safer, easier to maintain, and more affordable. Premade battery banks and stackable battery cells have made solar energy more versatile as well, allowing banks to be built for solar systems of all sizes.

Round-trip efficiency, life expectancy, and depth of discharge have all improved significantly over recent years. Each factor contributes to a lower cost per watt for the storage user. The average solar power user can feasibly add a solar battery bank to their system and become entirely energy independent, even while remaining connected to the city grid.

Types of Solar Batteries

Not all batteries are created equal. Whether you’re after a grid-tied hybrid setup, full off-grid independence, or reliable backup power, there’s a chemistry and configuration tailored to your needs. Below, explore the most popular solar storage solutions and click through to find the right solution for your system.

LiFePO4 Batteries

Also known as lithium iron phosphate, LiFePO4 batteries offer ultra-long cycle life (2,000+ cycles), high depth of discharge (80–90%), and superb safety. With round-trip efficiencies up to 95%, they’re the go-to choice for both grid-tied hybrid systems and true off-grid installations. Their modular design makes it easy to scale your battery bank as your energy needs grow.

LiFePO4 Batteries are great for:

Grid-Tie Hybrid Systems
Home & Commercial Energy Storage
Scalable Off-Grid Installations

Lead Acid Batteries

Traditional flooded lead acid batteries remain the most cost-effective entry point for off-grid solar or emergency backup. While their cycle life (500–1,000 cycles) and depth of discharge (~50%) lag behind lithium, they’re a proven workhorse. Ideal if you’re upgrading an existing system on a tight budget.

Lead Acid Batteries are great for:

Budget-Conscious Off-Grid Setups
Emergency Backup Power
Simple DIY Installations

AGM Batteries

Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are a sealed, maintenance-free variant of lead acid that deliver better cold-weather performance and minimal gassing. With 700–900 cycles and around 60% usable capacity, they’re perfect for smaller backup systems or hybrid setups where you want a low-maintenance solution.

AGM Batteries are great for:

Maintenance-Free Backup Systems
Cold-Climate Performance
Small-Scale Hybrid Setups

Battery Banks (Low Voltage)

Low-voltage banks (12V, 24V, 48V) give you ultimate flexibility for DIY or modular solar. Pair them with a compatible inverter/charger to create a reliable off-grid cabin setup or an entry-level hybrid system. They’re easy to expand as your power demands increase.

Low-Voltage Banks are great for:

DIY & Modular Expansion
RVs, Marine & Cabins
Entry-Level Hybrid Systems

Battery Banks (High Voltage)

High-voltage banks (typically 360–500 V) integrate directly with modern grid-tied inverters and hybrid power stations. Fewer conversions translate to higher overall efficiency, making them the top pick for larger residential and commercial solar installations that need fast charge/discharge rates and minimal losses.

High-Voltage Banks are great for:

Large Residential Installations
Commercial & Industrial Projects
High-Efficiency Grid Integration

The Benefits of Adding Solar Batteries

Every person’s solar needs differ, including your solar storage needs. If you’re on the fence about adding solar storage to your system design, here are a few important benefits to consider when making your decision:

Avoid citywide power outages – Whether your area is prone to storms that knock out the power, or you simply know to expect rolling power outages at certain times of the year, adding batteries to your solar system allows you to avoid being subject to those outages. A grid-tie system will be shut down for safety purposes when the city grid goes down, regardless of whether or not the sun is currently shining. Adding a battery bank to create a hybrid solar power system allows you to disconnect from the grid when it goes out, so you can continue using solar power while the rest of your neighborhood is dark.
Eliminate your power bill – When you have grid-tied solar power, odds are low that you will ever eliminate your electricity bill. Even if your city provides net metering, allowing you to get credits for the excess solar power you feed into the grid, it’s unlikely that that excess production will exceed your consumption of grid-supplied power. This means you’ll still get a monthly power bill, even if it’s much smaller than normal. If you want to eliminate your bill, that is only possible with the addition of a battery bank, so you can directly consume that excess solar power in the evenings.
Do more for the environment – Switching to solar power is already a huge step in the right direction, but as we already stated, grid-tied power still relies on those fossil fuels daily. If you want to go green, the best way to do that is to rely on renewable solar energy daily and at night, which can only be done by using solar storage.

If any of these benefits are important to you, then solar battery storage may be the perfect addition to your system’s design. If you’re still not sure, you can reach out to the experts at PowerStore, Inc. We’ll discuss the pros and cons with you to help you decide whether you should opt for a grid-tie solar system or a hybrid system that includes solar storage.

Adding Batteries to an Existing System

One question we often receive from those interested in solar batteries is whether or not a battery bank can be added to an existing solar power system. Whether you installed solar power before the reduced cost of storage, or you’re simply weighing your options for the system you plan to install, this is a valid question. Solar equipment already costs a fair sum, and a battery bank to completely meet your needs can nearly double the cost of the initial installation; this makes adding the battery bank later when you have more of a budget a very appealing option. But is it feasible?

The simple answer here is yes, it is possible to add a battery bank later. There are two ways that we can assist with this:

AC coupling: You have the option of adding a second inverter in parallel with your existing system that essentially only operates when commanded (e.g., during peak times or grid outages).
DC coupling: Removing your existing grid-tie inverter and replacing it with a hybrid inverter that includes charge controllers to charge the batteries safely and an inverter that converts that battery power into usable AC power suitable for use in your home.

So, if you already installed a grid-tied inverter and want to upgrade to solar + storage, please give PowerStore a call, and one of our fully trained professionals would be glad to walk you through that selection.

In addition to that, it’s important to consider how quickly solar evolves. If you believe you’ll be adding a battery bank in the next few years, you shouldn’t encounter any issues with compatibility. However, that story changes if you think you’ll be waiting 5, 8, or even 10 years. Odds are that solar will continue to evolve rapidly, and you may have compatibility issues between the newest battery models and your existing inverter.

Get the Solar Storage Equipment You Need

If you’re building a solar-plus-storage system, contact PowerStore, Inc. We are experts in solar batteries and solar storage systems and can help you find the right equipment while offering the expert guidance and support you need to build a hybrid solar power system. Call now to get started.

Solar Storage Solutions

If you’re considering adding storage to your solar project, here’s what you need to know.

How Solar Batteries Have Changed

The solar battery banks of the past looked like several interconnected car batteries—and, essentially, they were. While banks of this type certainly do exist, solar battery has come a long way in recent years. It’s become more efficient, more space-conscious, safer, easier to maintain, and more affordable. Premade battery banks and stackable battery cells have made solar energy more versatile as well, allowing banks to be built for solar systems of all sizes.

Round-trip efficiency, life expectancy, and depth of discharge have all improved significantly over recent years. Each factor contributes to a lower cost per watt for the storage use - you. The average solar power user can feasibly add a solar battery bank to their system and become entirely energy independent, even while remaining connected to the city grid.

The Benefits of Adding Solar Batteries

Avoid citywide power outages – Whether your area is prone to storms that knock out the power, or you simply know to expect rolling power outages at certain times of the year, adding batteries to your solar system allows you to avoid being subject to those outages. A grid-tie system will be shut down for safety purposes when the city grid goes down, regardless of whether or not the sun is currently shining. Adding a battery bank to create a hybrid solar power system allows you to disconnect from the grid when it goes out, so you can continue using solar power while the rest of your neighborhood is dark.
Eliminate your power bill – When you have grid-tied solar power, odds are low that you will ever eliminate your electricity bill. Even if your city provides net metering, allowing you to get credits for the excess solar power you feed into the grid, it’s unlikely that that excess production will exceed your consumption of grid-supplied power. This means you’ll still get a monthly power bill, even if it’s much smaller than normal. If you want to eliminate your bill, that is only possible with the addition of a battery bank, so you can directly consume that excess solar power in the evenings.
Do more for the environment – Switching to solar power is already a huge step in the right direction, but as we already stated, grid-tied power still relies on those fossil fuels daily. If you want to go green, the best way to do that is to rely on renewable solar energy daily and at night, which can only be done by using solar storage.

Adding Batteries to an Existing System

The simple answer here is yes, it is possible to add a battery bank later. There are two ways that we can assist with this.:

AC coupling: You have the option of adding a second inverter in parallel with your existing system that essentially only operates when commanded – (e.g., During peak times or grid outages)
DC coupling: removing your existing grid-tie inverter and replacing it with a hybrid inverter that includes charge controllers to charge the batteries safely and an inverter that converts that battery power into usable AC power suitable for use in your home.

So, if you already installed a grid-tied inverter and want to upgrade to Solar + Storage, please give PowerStore a call, and one of our fully trained professionals would be glad to walk you through that selection.